Which constitutional amendment provided formal constitutional recognition to the Panchayati Raj institutions in India?

The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, passed in 1992, granted constitutional status to the Panchayati Raj institutions, thereby strengthening democratic governance at the grassroots level in rural IndiThis landmark legislation added Part IX to the Constitution specifically addressing Panchayats and established a three-tier governance structure comprising Gram Panchayat (village level), Panchayat Samiti (block level), and Zila Parishad (district level). The amendment mandated direct elections for Panchayat members and introduced reservations for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women. It also required states to establish Election Commissions for conducting Panchayat elections and to devolve powers and responsibilities to these local bodies for effective administration and development of rural areas.